MiRNA Profiling in Premalignant Lesions and Early Glottic Cancer

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Laryngeal carcinogenesis involves molecular changes that can be detected through miRNA profiling.
• Identifying dysregulated microRNAs (miRNAs) aids in understanding gene pathways and developing diagnostic/prognostic markers for laryngeal mucosal lesions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate miRNA expression patterns in different stages of laryngeal mucosal lesions, from no dysplasia to invasive cancer.
• To identify potential miRNA biomarkers for early diagnosis, risk stratification, and prognosis in vocal fold carcinogenesis.

Main Methods:

• Prospective collection of tissue samples from 28 patients with hypertrophic vocal fold lesions (no dysplasia, low-grade dysplasia, high-grade dysplasia, invasive cancer) and 3 with vocal fold polyps.
• MicroRNA profiling using TaqMan® Human MicroRNA Array A.
• Comparative analysis of microRNA (miRNA) expression levels (ΔCt) between different patient groups.

Main Results:

• Specific miRNAs (hsa-miR-105-5p, hsa-miR-516a-5p) were exclusively found in high-grade dysplasia and invasive cancer.
• Significant differences in miRNA expression were observed across various stages, with notable alterations in hsa-miR-185-5p and hsa-miR-21-5p.
• hsa-miR-503-5p expression decreased progressively with increasing lesion severity.

Conclusions:

• Distinct miRNA expression profiles correlate with the progression of laryngeal mucosal lesions.
• Certain miRNAs demonstrate potential as valuable biomarkers for the early detection, risk assessment, and prognosis of vocal fold carcinogenesis.